OF AGRICULTURE. 135 



the "ratoons," by allowing some of them to go to 

 seed for the express purpose. Every three or four 

 years we should send to Cuba for fresh seed. [Joseph 

 M. Hernadez, St. Augustine, Florida. 



CHAP TEE XVIII. 



THE POTATO CROP. 



The Irish, or common potato, will grow upon 

 almost any soil, with good management and a 

 favorable season ; but a loose, moist, and cool soil, is 

 most suitable. Well- drained swamps often produce 

 the potato with great luxuriance. North-lying 

 slopes, of loose, rich mould, gravelly, and sandy 

 loams, are all favorable to the production of this 

 important crop. 



P R EP A RAT ION. 



The ground should be prepared by a thorough 

 plowing in the autumn or winter. In the spring, at 

 the time selected for planting, manure should be 

 applied, either immediately, or before planting, or 

 in the drill with the potatoes. If manure is not 

 abundant, it is more economical to use it in the drill 

 for covering the potatoes at the time of planting. 



M ANURES. 



The best manure for potatoes is fresh stable, or 

 hog-pen scrapings, mixed with a large portion of 

 br*oken straw, leaves, or other litter. From ten to 

 twenty wagon loads per acre, as the soil is more or 



